Multi-media storage and business card blank

ABSTRACT

There is provided in an embodiment a holder for a printed card and multi-media device. The holder in one embodiment is a two-piece housing defining an internal storage device holder for holding a multi-media device and an outer index card holder configured to wrap around an exterior portion of the internal storage device holder, and wherein when assembled the two-piece housing defines at least two pairs of opposite sides, referred to as first and second exterior side panels and first and second exterior end panels.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention is a continuation in part application of Ser. No. 13/089,796 filed Apr. 19, 2011, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a blank for forming a care to hold a multi-media storage device, such as a USB flash drive, and for providing a detachable business card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ability to effectively market a business or an individual has seen a variety of types of marketing media throughout the years. Still commonly used today are business cards combined with printed brochures. Since these are easy to hand out and distribute, especially at trade shows, at the businesses on-site, and easy to carry and transport. One of many associated problems with this combined marketing strategy is the mere fact that marketing brochures can be cumbersome or more importantly antiquity in the material contained therein. As businesses develop and grow the information about the business changes, sometimes daily. Each change may or should require a change in the marketing or brochure information. Similarly, with on-line marketing capabilities, a printed brochure is extremely static, and the business losses the opportunity sometimes to creatively provide information. It is often more effective to provide the marketing material electronically. While others have attempted to combine electronic media with business cards, these have fallen short in their effectiveness. There is thus a need to provide for an easier way to manufacture and supply a marketing tool that combines aids in combining a business card or informational card with a multi-media device in a single easy package. The multi-media device could have the electronic media preloaded, such that the end-user simply has to plug or load the multi-media device into a computer. This combined marketing material is extremely small and light weight, such that the end user is not faced with having to carry around bulky brochure. Similarly, the end user does not have the problem of misplacing the business card.

Due to the problems and issues addressed herein, there is a great need to improve upon them.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention is a novel and innovative method of creating a holder for a card and a multi-media device. The card can be a business card or other index type card having printed material. The multi-media device can be any type of portable device such as but not limited to a USB flash drive, mini-disk, memory card, SD Card, Compact Flash, Smart Media Card, Memory Stick, SIM card, Mini SD Card, and the like. The holder is preferably manufactured from a single unitary blank material, such as cardboard or other similar material or design. The card is attached to the holder by a living perforated hinge that permits the card to be removable at any time. The multi-media device is also removable and secured to the holder by any well know means.

The holder in one embodiment includes a card panel, an exterior bottom panel, first and second exterior side panels, a inner side panel, a pair of top panels, a pair of opposing interior side panels, and an interior bottom panel. The first and second exterior side panels are separately secured along first side panel edges to the exterior bottom panel. The first exterior side panel abuts the inner side panel and the inner side panel and the second exterior side panel can be secured along a second side panel edge to one of the pair of top panels, such that the pair of top panels are spaced away from the exterior bottom panel by the inner side panel and the second exterior side panel. Each of the pair of top panels are secured along a top panel edge to one of the pair of opposing interior side panels, wherein the pair of opposing interior side panels extend towards the exterior bottom panel and further secure along interior side panel edges to the interior bottom panel This permits the overlapping interior bottom panel to overlap the exterior bottom panel, thereby forming a channel defined by the pair of opposing interior side panels and the overlapping interior bottom panel. The channel is formed to receive a multi-media device. The card panel is removably attached to the second side panel edge defined on the first exterior side panel, and the card panel further includes a tab removable secured to an edge opposing the second side panel edge. A slit formed along the second side panel edge of the second exterior side panel, is sized to receive the tab when the card panel is positioned over to cover the channel.

In addition, it is possible that the card panel, the exterior bottom panel, the first and second exterior side panels, the inner side panel, the pair of top panels, the pair of opposing interior side panels, and the interior bottom panel all share a pair of opposed parallel outer edges that are at right angles to the first and second side panel edges, the top panel edge, and the interior side panel edges.

In a second embodiment the holder can be created as a two-piece housing defining an internal storage device holder for holding a multi-media device and an outer index card holder configured to wrap around an exterior portion of the internal storage device holder. When assembled the two-piece housing will define at least two pairs of opposite sides, referred to as first and second exterior side panels and first and second exterior end panels. The internal storage device holder may include an internal storage bottom panel having opposing bottom side edges and being connected along one of the opposing side bottom edges to the first exterior side panel and connected along the other opposing side bottom edges to the second exterior side panel. The first exterior side panel may be adjacent to a first top panel and the second exterior side panel may be adjacent to a second top panel. Both the first and second top panels are preferably positioned inwardly towards each other and separately connecting at top panel side edges to internally face opposing side panels. Each internally facing opposing side panels further connect along opposing side edges to an overlapping bottom panel. The internal storage device holder is configured to be formed by folding the first and second exterior side panels to a substantially upright position, folding the first and second top panels towards each other, and folding the opposing side panels downwardly from the first and second top panels such that the overlapping bottom panel rests above the internal storage bottom panel to create a channel between the opposing side panels and the overlapping bottom panel. The channel being sized to receive the multi-media device.

The outer index card holder may be configured from a single unitary blank material having a card panel, an exterior base panel connected to the card panel by the first exterior end panel. The second exterior end panel connects to the exterior base panel and is diametrically opposed to the first exterior end panel. The second exterior end panel further connects to a top overlapping panel, and a tab extending from the card panel is configured to be received into a slot formed into the top overlapping panel. The card panel is further removably attached to the first exterior end panel and removably attached to the tab. The outer index card holder is configured to be formed by folding the first and second exterior end panels to a substantially upright configuration and folding the top overlapping panel over a portion of the first and second top panels and the card panel towards the overlapping panel to cover the channel, such that the tab is inserted to the slot to provide a closed configuration.

In this embodiment the holder may further include a pair of braces separately positioned along ends of the channel, the braces formed from portions of the interior bottom panel and alternate portions of the opposing interior side panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention illustrating a combined holder for a business card and multi-media storage device, illustrated in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrating the combined holder being partially opened to show the multi-media storage device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrating in one aspect the detachable business card and detachable multi-media storage device;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the holder from FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the holder from FIG. 1 lying flat prior to folding to form the holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention illustrating a combined holder for an index card and multi-media storage device provided by a two piece construction;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of FIG. 6 illustrating the combined holder being partially opened;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of FIG. 6 illustrating the two-piece construction of the holder separated from each other;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the internal storage device holder from FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a blank used for the construction of the internal storage device holder from FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a blank used for the construction of the outer index card holder from FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention illustrating a combined holder for an index card and multi-media storage device;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the combined holder from FIG. 12 shown in an open configuration;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of FIG. 12 showing the removal of the index card;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a blank used for the construction of the holder from FIGS. 12; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or the embodiments illustrated.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a combined holder 100 for holding or accommodating a business or index card combined with a multi-media storage device that can store electronic media. The combined holder when assembled can be handed out to individuals and will provide a business or index card with printed matter that can be easily removed from the combined holder. When opened, the combined holder will also provide a easily removably multi-media device then can have pre-loaded material thereon.

As shown, more clearly in FIG. 3, there is provided a card panel 105 detachably secured to a first side panel 110 and an opposed flange panel 102. The card panel 105 may be secured to the first side panel by a perforated edge 107 that will permit the card panel to be easily removed. The first side panel 110 is secured to a bottom panel 120 by a first living hinge 125. Opposed from the first side panel 110 is a second side panel 130 that is attached to the opposite edge of the bottom panel by a second living hinge 135. The second side panel 130 is attached to a first upper panel 140 by a third living hinge 145. The third living hinge 145 further includes a slot 147 positioned there between the first upper panel 140 and second side panel 130. The slot 147 if needed by be positioned and overlap into either or both the first upper panel 140 and second side panel 130. The slot 147 is sized to receive the flange panel 102 when the holder 100 is in a closed position.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-5 it is further shown that the first upper panel 140 is further attached to a third side panel 150 by a fourth living hinge 155. Further attached to the third side panel 150 is a bottom overlap panel 160 that when assembled overlaps the bottom panel 120. The third side panel 150 and the bottom overlap panel 160 include a fifth living hinge 165. The bottom overlap panel 160 secures to a fourth side panel 170 that faces the third side panel 150 to create a channel 172 between the bottom overlap panel 160 and the fourth and third side panels. A sixth living hinge 175 is positioned to secure the bottom overlap panel 160 and the fourth side panel 170.

Ends 180 of the channel 172 that are opposite the fourth and third side panels 170 and 150, are each provided with a brace 182/184 cut from the bottom overlap panel and alternate from fourth and third side panel. For example, a first brace 182 is cut from the bottom overlap panel and the third side panel 150 and pulled away from the bottom overlap panel such that a portion 167 of the fifth living hinge 165 is defined within the first brace 182 and aids in keeping the first brace 182 away from the bottom overlap panel 160. The second brace 184 is cur from the bottom overlap panel 160 and the fourth side panel 170 and also pulled away from the bottom overlap panel such that a portion 177 of the sixth living hinge 175 is defined within the second brace 184 and aids in keeping the second brace 184 away from the bottom overlap panel 160. With the pair of braces positioned at the ends of the channel and the two side facing panels (third and fourth side panels) the holder 100 is capable of holding and securing a removable multi-media storage device 104. While not necessarily used, the multi-media storage device 104 may further be secured in position by additional means such as hook and loop systems, Velcro, adhesives, glues, epoxy, etc.

Connected to the third side panel 170 by a seventh living hinge 185 is a second upper panel 180. Lastly, the second upper panel 180 is secured by an eighth living hinge 195 to an interior panel 190 that is secured to an inside edge of the first side panel 110. The interior panel 190 may be glued 197 to the first side panel to ensure the holder 100 maintains its shape,

The combined holder is manufactured from a single blank, such as a cardboard or similar paper bound material. The multi-media storage device 170 can be a mini disk or USB flash drive device or similar. The holder 100 is cut along its outer edge and cut to form the two braces and slit. The holder 100 is then folded, typically by a machine, along the eight defined living hinges and along the two perforated edges. An adhesives can be applied to the last or interior panel 190 which is then pressed into the inside edge of the first side panel 110. If needed the exterior side of the bottom overlap panel 160 can have adhesive and also pressed into the bottom panel 120. The card panel 105 can include any information needed, such as business card information, advertisement or marketing information or information regarding the content on the multi-media storage device.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-11 there is shown another embodiment and variation from holder 100, which similarly provides for a combined holder 200 for holding or accommodating a business or index card 205 combined with a multi-media storage device that can store electronic media 207. In this embodiment, the holder 100 is a two-piece construction made from two separate blanks 210 and 215, which when folded and assembled creates an internal storage device holder 220 and an outer index card holder 280 that wraps around the internal storage device holder 220.

The internal storage device holder 220 has similar properties as described above, in that it includes a channel 222 formed by facing side panels 224/226 and braces 228/229 at the ends 230 of the channel. The internal storage device holder 220 is formed by having a first outer panel 231 attached by a first hinge 232 to a bottom panel 233, which is attached at a second hinge 234 to a second outer panel 236. The second outer panel 236 is attached at a third hinge 238 to a first top panel 240, which is attached at a fourth hinge 242 to the first side panel 224. The first side panel 224 is attached to an upper bottom panel 244 at a fifth hinge 246. The second side panel 226 is attached to the upper bottom panel 244 at a sixth hinge 248, which as described above allows the first and second side panels 224/226 to face each other and define a channel between the two side panels and the upper bottom panel 244. The two braces 228 and 229 are formed as described above and would thus include portions of the fifth hinge and sixth hinge, portion of the fifth hinge defined as 250 and portion of the sixth hinge defined as 252. Secured to the second side panel 226 by a seventh hinge 254 is a second top panel 256, which is further attached by an eighth hinge 258 to side internal panel 260. The side internal panel 260 may include adhesive to secure to an interior region of the first outer panel 231. Alternatively, if the first side panel 231 was not provided, an additional internal panel may be provided at the end of the side internal panel 260 which would be secured by an adhesive to a portion of the bottom panel 233.

The outer index card holder 280 that wraps around the internal storage device holder 220 is defined by having a card panel 282 that is attached on a first edge 284 to a first end panel 286, which is further secured to a bottom exterior panel 288. The bottom exterior panel 288 is secured to a second end panel 289 which is attached to an upper overlap panel 290. Living hinges are provided by having a first index hinge 292 is positioned between the card panel 282 and the first end panel, a second index hinge 294 between the first end panel and the bottom exterior panel 288, a third index hinge 296 between the bottom exterior panel 288 and the second end panel 288, and a fourth index hinge 298 between the second end panel and the upper overlap panel 290. A slit 299 is positioned about the fourth index hinge 298 to accommodate a flange 281 secured to the card panel 282. Both the flange 281 and the bottom exterior panel 288 have perforated connections 283 to the card panel 282, such that the card panel 282 may be removed as needed.

When assembled the upper overlap panel 290 overlaps and may be affixed by adhesive over a portion of the first and second top panels 240/256 which still permits the remove of the multi-media device 207. The bottom exterior panel 288 will lay against the bottom panel 233 and may also be affixed thereto by adhesive. The flange 281 is sized to be positioned through the slit 299 to secure the two-piece holder 200 in a closed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15 there is shown a one piece combined holder 300 manufactured from a single blank and configured similarly to the second holder embodiment 200. The combined holder 300 similarly includes a channel compartment 304 defined to holder a multi-media device 302. The channel compartment 304 is configured from two opposing side panels 306/308 an overlapping bottom member 310 and two braces 312/314 defined at the ends of the channel 304. A removable index card panel 316 is positioned as a top panel that lays over the channel compartment 304 when in a closed position. A flange 318 is provided and secured to one edge of the index card panel 316 that can be inserted into a slit 320, which keeps the holder 300 in a closed position.

The single blank 350 is defined as having a bottom panel 352 with at least four edges that serve for four living hinged edges (a first hinged edge 354; a second hinged edge 356; a third hinged edge 358; and a fourth hinged edge 360). Preferably, the four edges can be defined as two pairs of parallel edges (the first and third hinged edges being parallel and the second and fourth hinged edges being parallel), with one pair 354/358 being at a perpendicular angle to the other pair 356/360.

One pair of hinged edges 354/358 defines the outer portion of the holder by having a pair of outer end panels 362/364 secured separately to the hinged edges. One of the outer end panels 362 includes panel tips 366 extending from diametrical sides 368 of the end panel 362 (discussed further below) and includes an overlapping top panel 370 secured along a first living hinge 372 that is opposed to the third hinged edge 358. The aforementioned slit 320 is defined in the first living hinge 372. From the other outer end panel 364, the index card 316 is removable secured along a perforated edge 374. The index card 316 further includes a tab 376 extending along a second perforated edge 378 that is diametrically opposed to the other perforated edge 374. The tab 376 is sized to be received into the slit 320 when assembled and in the holder is in a closed position.

The other pair of hinged edges 356/360 define the internal structure of the holder and when assembled will resemble the internal storage device holder 220. This is accomplished by having secured along the hinged edge 360 a first side panel 382. Attached to the first side panel 382 by a first living hinge 384 is a first top panel 386. The first top panel 386 has a second living hinge 388 attaching the first top panel 386 to one of the opposing side panels 308. The opposing side panel 308 includes a third living hinge 390 that attaches to the overlapping bottom member 310. The other side panel 306 is attached by a fourth living hinge 392 to the other side of the overlapping bottom member 310. Cut from the overlapping bottom member and the two opposing side panels are the end braces 312/314. The side panel 306 further connects by a fifth living hinge 394 to a second top panel 396, which connects to an end side panel 398 by a sixth living hinge 397. The other hinged edge 356 connects to an end side panel 399 which adheres to the end side panel 398 when assembled. When assembled, the internal storage device holder creates a pair of leg channels 400/402 on either side of the channel 304. The leg channels are important in this embodiment as they are used to tuck and hold the panel tips 366.

Referring now to FIG. 14 there is shown an alternative design that includes from the bottom panel a pair of end panels 410/412 that further attach to separate overlapping top panels 414/416. With end panels, the use of braces for a channel 418 would not be required as the multi-media device 420 would be secured in the channel by the opposing side panels 422/424 and the end panels 410/412.

It should be further stated the specific information shown in the drawings but not specifically mentioned above may be ascertained and read into the specification by virtue of a simple study of the drawings. Moreover, the invention is also not necessarily limited by the drawings or the specification as structural and functional equivalents may be contemplated and incorporated into the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. 

1. A holder for a card and multi-media device, the holder comprising: a card panel, an exterior bottom panel, first and second exterior side panels, a inner side panel, a pair of top panels, a pair of opposing interior side panels, and an interior bottom panel; the first and second exterior side panels being separately secured along first side panel edges to the exterior bottom panel, and the first exterior side panel abuts the inner side panel, wherein the inner side panel and the second exterior side panel further being secured along a second side panel edge to one of the pair of top panels, such that the pair of top panels are spaced away from the exterior bottom panel by the inner side panel and the second exterior side panel; each of the pair of top panels further being secured along a top panel edge to one of the pair of opposing interior side panels, wherein the pair of opposing interior side panels extend towards the exterior bottom panel and further secure along interior side panel edges to the interior bottom panel, such that the overlapping interior bottom panel overlaps the exterior bottom panel, thereby forming a channel defined by the pair of opposing interior side panels and the overlapping interior bottom panel, the channel formed to receive a multi-media device thereto the card panel being removably attached to second side panel edge defined on the first exterior side panel, the card panel further includes a tab removably secured to an edge opposing the second side panel edge; and a slit formed along the second side panel edge of the second exterior side panel, the slit sized to receive the tab when the card panel is positioned over to cover the channel.
 2. The holder from claim 1, wherein the card panel, the exterior bottom panel, the first and second exterior side panels, the inner side panel, the pair of top panels, the pair of opposing interior side panels, and the interior bottom panel all share a pair of opposed parallel outer edges that are at right angles to the first and second side panel edges, the top panel edge, and the interior side panel edges.
 3. The holder from claim 1, wherein the first and second side panel edges, the top panel edge, and the interior side panel edges are living hinges.
 4. The holder from claim 1 further comprising a pair of braces separately positioned along ends of the channel, the braces formed from portions of the interior bottom panel and alternate portions of the opposing interior side panels.
 5. The holder of claim 1, wherein the card panel is a removable business card.
 6. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder is manufactured from a single unitary blank material.
 7. A holder for a card and multi-media device comprising: a two-piece housing defining an internal storage device holder for holding a multi-media device and an outer index card holder configured to wrap around an exterior portion of the internal storage device holder, and wherein when assembled the two-piece housing defines at least two pairs of opposite sides, referred to as first and second exterior side panels and first and second exterior end panels; the internal storage device holder comprising: an internal storage bottom panel having opposing bottom side edges and being connected along one of the opposing side bottom edges to the first exterior side panel and connected along the other opposing side bottom edges to the second exterior side panel, the first exterior side panel being adjacent to a first top panel and the second exterior side panel being adjacent to a second top panel, both the first and second top panels being positioned inwardly towards each other and separately connecting at top panel side edges to internally facing opposing side panels, each internally facing opposing side panels further connecting along opposing side edges to an overlapping bottom panel, wherein the internal storage device holder is configured to be formed by folding the first and second exterior side panels to a substantially upright position, folding the first and second top panels towards each other, folding the opposing side panels downwardly from the first and second top panels such that the overlapping bottom panel rests above the internal storage bottom panel to create a channel between the opposing side panels and the overlapping bottom panel, the channel being sized to receive the multi-media device; and the outer index card holder configured from a single unitary blank material having: a card panel, an exterior base panel connected to the card panel by the first exterior end panel, the second exterior end panel connected to the exterior base panel and being diametrically opposed to the first exterior end panel, the second exterior end panel further connected to a top overlapping panel, and a tab extending from the card panel configured to be received into a slot formed into the top overlapping panel, and wherein the card panel is removably attached to the first exterior end panel and removably attached to the tab, wherein the outer index card holder is configured to be formed by folding the first and second exterior end panels to a substantially upright configuration, further folding the top overlapping panel over a portion of the first and second top panels and further folding the card panel towards the overlapping panel to cover the channel, such that the tab is inserted to the slot to provide a closed configuration.
 8. The holder from claim 7 further comprising a pair of braces separately positioned along ends of the channel, the braces formed from portions of the overlapping bottom panel and alternate portions of the opposing side panels.
 9. The holder of claim 7, wherein the card panel is a removable business card.
 10. The holder of claim 7 further comprising an internal side panel connected at a side edge to the internal bottom panel and adhered to the first exterior side panel.
 11. A holder for a card and multi-media device comprising: a single-piece housing defining an internal storage device holder for holding a multi-media device and an outer index card holder configured to wrap around an exterior portion of the internal storage device holder, and wherein when assembled the single-piece housing defines at least two pairs of opposite sides, referred to as first and second exterior side panels and first and second exterior end panels; the internal storage device holder comprising: an internal storage bottom panel having opposing bottom side edges and being connected along one of the opposing side bottom edges to the first exterior side panel and connected along the other opposing side bottom edges to the second exterior side panel, the first exterior side panel being adjacent to a first top panel and the second exterior side panel being adjacent to a second top panel, both the first and second top panels being positioned inwardly towards each other and separately connecting at top panel side edges to internally facing opposing side panels, each internally facing opposing side panels further connecting along opposing side edges to an overlapping bottom panel, wherein the internal storage device holder is configured to be formed by folding the first and second exterior side panels to a substantially upright position, folding the first and second top panels towards each other, folding the opposing side panels downwardly from the first and second top panels such that the overlapping bottom panel rests above the internal storage bottom panel to create a channel between the opposing side panels and the overlapping bottom panel, the channel being sized to receive the multi-media device; and the outer index card holder configured from a single unitary blank material having: a card panel connected to the internal storage bottom panel by the first exterior end panel, the second exterior end panel connected to the exterior base panel and being diametrically opposed to the first exterior end panel, the second exterior end panel further connected to a top overlapping panel, and a tab extending from the card panel configured to be received into a slot formed into the top overlapping panel, and wherein the card panel is removably attached to the first exterior end panel and removably attached to the tab, wherein the outer index card holder is configured to be formed by folding the first and second exterior end panels to a substantially upright configuration, further folding the top overlapping panel over a portion of the first and second top panels and further folding the card panel towards the overlapping panel to cover the channel, such that the tab is inserted to the slot to provide a closed configuration.
 12. The holder from claim 11, wherein the least two pairs of opposite sides, referred to as first and second exterior side panels and first and second exterior end panels are at substantially right angles to each other.
 13. The holder from claim 11 further comprising a pair of braces separately positioned along ends of the channel, the braces formed from portions of the overlapping bottom panel and alternate portions of the opposing side panels.
 14. The holder of claim 11, wherein the card panel is a removable business card.
 15. The holder of claim 11 further comprising a pair of panel tips separately extending from diametrical sides of the second exterior end panel. 